Rio’s Fastest-Growing Drug Faction Now Sits on the Airport Road

In a dramatic turn of events, Rio's fastest-growing drug faction, known as the TCP, has established its presence along the airport road. On Monday, August 24th, the road leading to the city's international airport was closed and four lorries were set ablaze. This action was a result of a police operation targeting a favela complex called Complexo de Israel, which falls under the control of TCP.

The operation lasted about half an hour and led to the complete shutdown of Avenida Brasil, Linha Vermelha, and Rodovia Washington Luís for a short period.

TCP's territory growth in 2024 was a staggering 75.7%, with an overall increase of 22.7% from 2007 to 2018. This rapid expansion is a significant concern for the city, as TCP now controls 8.05% of the areas influenced by armed groups in metropolitan Rio. Researchers attribute this growth to the TCP moving into territories that other groups have abandoned, a pattern highlighted by the Mapa Histórico dos Grupos Armados, a study conducted by Fogo Cruzado and GENI/UFF.

The TCP's control over the Complexo de Israel, which is home to 457,000 people, is a clear example of the group's established influence. The research suggests that this rapid expansion is due to the state's retreat from these territories, leaving them open for the TCP to claim. However, the methodology behind the figures and the definition of control and influence are not publicly available, and the study's underlying data remains out of reach.

The police's indefinite occupation of the Complexo de Israel aims to prevent rival factions from taking control, as well as to stop criminal movement and prevent further territorial disputes. This operation has already resulted in nine arrests, seven rifles, three pistols, and four grenades as a partial tally. The TCP's growth and the police's response highlight the volatile nature of the situation, which directly impacts daily commutes, logistics, and the well-being of businesses in the region.